NBA Trade Rumors: Houston Rockets Acquire Ty Lawson

The Denver Nuggets and the Houston Rockets have agreed to terms for a trade involving Ty Lawson, league sources revealed.

The Rockets will send Kostas Papanikolaou, Pablo Prigioni, Joey Dorsey, Nick Johnson and a 2016 lottery-protected first-round draft pick. The Nuggets will give the Rockets a 2017 second-round draft pick along with the 27-year-old point guard.

Although Lawson can be a valuable player, the Rockets will have to help Lawson with his personal issues. Lawson has been charged with a DUI (driving under the influence) twice within the time span of six months. He checked into an alcohol abuse treatment center last week. Lawson's next court appearance is scheduled on Aug. 20 for the DUI that he got in January.

Matt Moore with CBSSports.com noted that the trade is mutually beneficial:

"The Nuggets clear a little cap room, add a little depth with some upside guys, and get a protected first-rounder, while giving up a second. It's not a great return for Lawson's value, but it's also not bad considering Lawson's baggage and the presence of Emmanuel Mudiay, who incidentally shined in Summer League.

For Houston, point blank, they could afford to make this move. Johnson, Prigioni, Dorsey, Papanikolaou; none were key members of the Rockets' future. The pick is likely to have low value in the 20s. And in return, they get a troubled young man with incredible point guard abilities, who has been a key part of a 57-win team, who can shoot, score and distribute. They gave up almost nothing, and took a gamble on a guy that puts them in another tier if his personal concerns are resolved."

Lawson, who was selected 18th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, averaged 15.2 points, a career-high of 9.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds.